Miami-Dade Commission passes resolution easing solar development

MIAMI – With South Florida’s year-round sunny weather, it makes sense that the area would figure prominently in the use of solar energy. To that end, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 5 unanimously supported a resolution directing the County to continue to use the resources of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SolSmart program and to further improve the solar installation permitting process for residences and businesses.

The resolution, sponsored by County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, also directs the County to strive to become a national leader in the use of solar energy by actively seeking designation as a SolSmart Gold County.

“I look forward to Miami-Dade becoming an even more welcoming place for solar energy development,” said Commissioner Levine Cava. “Solar is a critical component of our climate resilience efforts and key to Miami becoming a leader in solar jobs in Florida. By seeking SolSmart Gold status, we show that we’re serious about putting sunshine to work in the Sunshine State.”

SolSmart recognizes cities, counties and small towns for making it faster, easier and more affordable to go solar. Its national team of experts provides no-cost technical assistance to help local governments become “open for solar businesses.” In recognition of their achievements, communities receive designations of SolSmart Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Miami-Dade County previously received a Bronze rating.

“We are excited to see Miami-Dade step up and strive to improve its solar permitting process,” said Solar United Neighbors of Florida, South Florida Program Coordinator, Jody Finver. “This is a vital component to making solar more accessible and help grow the industry within the County. We look forward to Miami-Dade County being the first South Florida County to obtain SolSmart’s Gold permitting status.”